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What we do

Bat Rescue South Australia has been set up to protect our Flying-Foxes and microbats which are now listed as a vulnerable species. Our aims are: to rescue, rehabilitate and release wherever possible, microbats and flying-foxes. To educate the public on the vital role bats play in the environment. To protect vulnerable bat species.

An introduction to Adelaide's bats

Our Aims

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To rescue, rehabilitate and release wherever possible, microbats and flying-foxes.

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To educate the public on the vital role bats play in the environment.

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To protect vulnerable bat species.

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What our team encounters

Here's a few of the challenges bats face:

1

Heat Stress

Heat stress for flying foxes can lead to dehydration and even death due to their inability to regulate their body temperature effectively. They can faint in the heat, and fall from heights injuring themselves and developing sticky wings from dehydration.

2

Risk of entanglement

Bats are vulnerable to getting their delicate wings caught in fruit netting, fishing line, and barbed wire, which can cause injuries, restrict their movement, and even result in death. This can impair their ability to fly, find food, and survive in their natural environment.

3

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Electrocution

As the colony of flying foxes grows are causing increasing numbers of electrocutions in South Australia as they land on powerlines to rest.

4

Persecution

​Conservation efforts are crucial to educate the public about their importance and mitigate the threats they face. Bats are often misunderstood and unfairly targeted due to myths about disease transmission, especially concerning rabies. This fear has led to deliberate extermination efforts and destruction of bat habitats.

5

Destruction of natural habitats and food scarcity

As urbanisation expands, crucial habitats like forests and wetlands are lost or fragmented. This diminishes the availability of suitable roosting sites and reduces the diversity and abundance of insects and fruit they feed on.

6

Dehydration

Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts reduce water availability in their habitats, making it challenging for bats to find sources of hydration.

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How do we operate

Committee

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Our Committee is made up of Sue Westover (chairperson), Sam Brown (treasurer), Wendy Stanton (secretary and membership officer), Judith Bemmer (liaison and fundraising officer), Linda Hodson (policy maker), Ann Branford (fundraising assistant), Kia Hook (fundraising assistant).

Volunteers

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Our volunteers who aren't carers or rescuers help us with daily task such as chopping fruit and cleaning the aviaries (if vaccinated) to the more exciting tasks such as fundraising and working bees to support our community of carers, rescuers, and rehabilitation volunteers. If your role does not involve handling bats or entering aviaries, vaccinations are not required.

Carers

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Our carers are licensed by the Department of Environment and Water in South Australia. During baby season, they care for injured or abandoned baby bats until they are 12 weeks old and ready to join a creche. After that, they move to an aviary with other bats to prepare for release. Throughout the rest of the season, our carers focus on caring for injured adult flying foxes and microbats.

Education of the public

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We provide educational talks in schools and other community organisations interesting in learning more about how they can stay safe and support our ecosystem. Our talks can be tailored to different age groups and demographics. These can include: the work we do, rescues, baby care, rehabilitation (short and long term), cohabitating with bats, and myth busting.

 

If you are interested in learning more send us an email.

Rescuers

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Our rescuers are licensed by the Department of Environment and Water in South Australia. All our rescuers are rabies vaccinated and trained in the correct procedures of how to handle a bat. They are based across South Australia with a focus on Adelaide and on call 24/7 for rescues.

Fundraising

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As a self-funded organisation, we depend on the support of our community to carry out our mission. Our main source of income comes from donations made by individuals at markets and events, as well as from the sale of our cool bat-themed merchandise. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us make a positive impact through spreading awareness about the important role these creatures play in our ecosystem. Erstwilder, Lady Boheme, Adelaide Zoo, The Tattoo Gallery, Adelaide Tree Climb, and many more individuals donate items to our annual Bat Rescue South Australia Quiz Night!

Funding Foundation

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Although we rely on fundraising to provide equipment and resources to our carers and rescue team for our bats in care we also receive support from the local community. Woolworths Modbury Heights, Coles Paralowie, Council grants, SA Power Network Grants, and the WIRES Grant set the foundations for some of our operational costs.​

Our Processes

At Bat Rescue South Australia, we have a range of programs and projects aimed at protecting and rehabilitating the Grey Headed Flying-Foxes and microbats. Our programs include rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured bats back into the wild. We also work towards educating the public on the importance of bats in the environment and the need to protect them. Our other initiatives include research and conservation projects aimed at protecting vulnerable bat species.

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OUR PARTNERS

We work closely with a range of partners who share our passion for bat conservation. Our partners include local wildlife organisations, government agencies, and community groups. Together, we work to protect and preserve vulnerable bat species and their habitats.

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